The Fear of God Brings Good Results

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” (Phil. 2:12-13 ESV)

Fearing God entails having a deep respect for Him, which profoundly affects how we live. Respecting God means doing as He commands, yielding to His reproof, and bowing in reverence before Him.

It brings positive results

·      It is the beginning of wisdom and insight — “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” (Prov. 8:10 ESV)

·      It is the beginning of knowledge — “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Prov. 1:7 ESV)

·      It is the hatred of evil — “The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.” (Prov. 8:13 ESV)

·      It leads to life — “The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm.” (Prov. 19:23 ESV)

·      It prolongs life — “The fear of the Lord prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be short.” (Prov. 10:27 ESV)

·      It is to know no fear of evil — “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Prov. 23:4 ESV)

·      It helps you obey even when you’re alone — “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” (Phil. 2:12-13 ESV)

·      It is a fountain of life — The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, That one may avoid the snares of death.

·      It causes you to persuade others — “Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience.” (2 Cor. 5:11 ESV)

 Therefore

“Praise the Lord! How blessed is the man who fears the Lord, Who greatly delights in His commandments.” (Psalm 112.1)